Three is Kia’s lucky number once again. Following the launch of the all-new third-generation Kia Ceed, now on-sale across Europe in three different bodystyles, the three newcomers have each received an iF Award for design.
This triple triumph in the world-renowned design competition represents the third consecutive year in which Kia has picked up a hat-trick of iF design awards, following similar successes in 2017 and 2018.
This achievement underscores the Korean manufacturer’s reputation for first-class design, which, for over a decade, has been shaped by Peter Schreyer, President of Design and Chief Design Officer for Kia Motors. The brand won its first iF Award in 2010, and has created at least one prize-winning model in every year since. Kia has now been awarded a total of 18 iF Awards for its vehicle designs.
The latest trophies have been awarded to each of the three all-new Ceed variants: the five-door Ceed hatchback and Sportswagon models, launched in mid-2018, and the all-new ProCeed five-door shooting brake, which went on-sale in Europe this month.
A true European, the new model range has been designed at Kia’s European design centre in Frankfurt under the direction of Peter Schreyer and Gregory Guillaume, European Head of Design. Engineering and development was carried out by the brand’s research and development centre in Rüsselsheim, and all versions are manufactured in Slovakia.
Clear, straight lines characterise the design of the Ceed family, which takes inspiration from the Kia Stinger fastback grand tourer – itself an iF Award winner in 2018. The five-door Ceed hatchback is wider and lower than its predecessor, while the cabin is positioned further towards the rear of the car, for a sportier stance and shape. In profile, the powerful C-pillar gives the upper window line an elegant ‘half-moon’ shape.
The Ceed Sportswagon brings more space than ever to the compact class: the third-generation model has increased in length, and offers owners more luggage space (625 litres) than most of its rivals, and even a number of larger vehicles. With its intelligent proportions and a new dynamic design, the Ceed Sportswagon is sportier than any of its predecessors.
The ProCeed features a completely new design, and is the first compact shooting brake from a mainstream manufacturer. The ProCeed merges a stunning, elegant design with the space and versatility of a tourer, standing out markedly from its siblings with its own unique posture and proportions. 1,422 mm in height, it is the lowest-slung vehicle in the entire C-segment. The defining element of its profile is the dynamic roofline, which ends in the steeply raked rear windscreen. The distinctive design is particularly noticeable from the rear, with an illuminated line connecting the LED rear lights – a first in this segment – giving the ProCeed a unique light signature.
Both the ProCeed and Ceed are available as a high-powered ‘GT’ model, powered by a 201 bhp 1.6-litre T-GDi (Turbocharged Gasoline Direct-injection) engine. A total of six low-emission petrol and diesel engines, each complying with the new Euro 6d-TEMP emissions standard, are available across the Ceed family. The broad spectrum of the latest technologies includes Lane Follow Assist system and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian recognition (depending on grade).
SOURCE: Kia
